“Being a man of the world, it is only natural that I know the ‘Mosquito’ is Spanish for ‘Little Fly’ (thanks Wikipedia). A cute name that belies the fact the Mosquito is a total bastard, an absolute beast, causing more death to mankind than all the lions, sharks, trees and tigers combined.

Nidecker’s newest snowboard, the Mosquito, is a cute looking board, similar in stature to a travel-ironing-board or cartoon rocket ship, which belies an absolute beast on the Mountain and the best short-fat board I’ve ever ridden (yes better than the Cool Bean).

“It is lively and dexterous taking corners like a bumper car”

Knowing I had no more than two days on this test board, after my first decent, I knew this was something special, declaring “I am definitely going to buy one of these”. I was on the 148, the smaller of the two sizes. I’m just under six feet and about 160 lbs, so I could probably have chosen either, but I think the smaller size really accentuated what makes this board fun; tight carving.

It is lively and dexterous taking corners like a bumper car. The underfoot camber really gives you power and control and this coupled with the short size and rocker front means you can pull really tight powerful turns with solid engagement in and out.

I’d say it surpasses the Cool Bean in terms of carve-ability, and it still manages to float well on powder… just like the Cool Bean. It has very nimble surfing feel in powder, great for slashing, and tree runs.

I wouldn’t say you can’t charge on the Mosquito but, as you’d expect with a board of this size, it can get a bit hairy when you’re going fast. However, overall stability is surprisingly good – feeling much more comfortable than some of its peers like the Burton Bottom Feeder. It will get a bit rocky and bumpy in that big rockered nose, but nothing unexpected. Ollies and jumping feels OK, it feels light (because it is) with that short stiff tail requiring effort to really boost. Anyone looking to spice up their snowboarding life needs one of these – it’s a real curiosity. You have to try it!”

“What can I say about the Mosquito? First of all it’s beautiful, a piece of art, a board you could happily hang on a wall and never ride. But you wouldn’t really want that, because once you have it under your feet, that’s when she reveals her true beauty.

Fun, versatile and – despite its small size – a true carving and powder machine. I really fell in love with this board – for me it’s the perfect combination of elegance and performance.”

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